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Fuelling growth markets with new ideas

To get an in-depth look at what life’s really like on the commercial side of Shell, we asked Deputy General Manager – Retail, Sanjay Varkey, about how he came here, his thoughts on the business, and what he’s achieved so far.

There are many opportunities within Shell

How did you arrive at Shell?

Sanjay: I’ve been with Shell for 24 years, so I’ve worked with different businesses and functions. I started with Lubricants, moved to LPG, then e-Business, followed by Strategy and Portfolio, and then Retail.

After that, I moved to lead a joint venture in Aviation Fuels and my last assignment was a Global Network Strategy role in London.

I’m now with Retail in India. I manage Network: the team that sets up our fuel stations in the country. We plan, acquire real estate, build and maintain the fuel stations, and implement other Retail engineering projects.

What’s the best thing about working at Shell?

Sanjay: With my function, you get the opportunity to Shape the Future. You can leave a legacy you can be proud of and truly make a difference to people’s lives.

Everyone in my team can say, “I bought that site”, “I built that site” or “I was able to make a difference to people who worked on the site.” There aren’t that many roles that offer that kind of impact.

Do you need oil and gas experience?

Sanjay: A lot of people that join don’t, but they will have a relevant specialisation, like real estate acquisition, and then develop their knowledge once they’re here. Our people will get them up to speed on the unique issues we face in our sector.

That’s the beauty of Shell. Thanks to our on-boarding process and the support you get from colleagues and subject matter experts, you soon appreciate that the wider skill set is important and that, with the right opportunities, you’ll learn about oil and gas, and grow.

Sanjay—ready to shape the future

What’s Network Delivery at Shell like compared to other companies?

Sanjay: Network Delivery is quite unique and has been a differentiator for Shell. It encompasses strategy, negotiation, construction, maintenance, and project management.

We find the answers to questions like: where do you look to set up a site? Why there? How many do we need? What features should they have? These skills, although deployed uniquely in Shell, are definitely transferrable.

What motivates your team?

Sanjay: It’s different for everyone. But if you’re interested in strategy, real estate, and construction – and are entrepreneurial and enjoy the practicalities of delivery – this would be a good match.

These are exciting challenges, where you actually build something. The role is so diverse that you can develop expertise in a wide range of areas. Equally you have a great opportunity to make a difference to lives.

Shell supports growth and development on every level

What’s Network Delivery at Shell like compared to other companies?

Sanjay: Network Delivery is quite unique and has been a differentiator for Shell. It encompasses strategy, negotiation, construction, maintenance, and project management.

We find the answers to questions like: where do you look to set up a site? Why there? How many do we need? What features should they have? These skills, although deployed uniquely in Shell, are definitely transferrable.

What motivates your team?

Sanjay: It’s different for everyone. But if you’re interested in strategy, real estate, and construction – and are entrepreneurial and enjoy the practicalities of delivery – this would be a good match.

These are exciting challenges, where you actually build something. The role is so diverse that you can develop expertise in a wide range of areas. Equally you have a great opportunity to make a difference to lives.

There are always exciting challenges

Can you make an immediate impact?

Sanjay: Looking at all the teams I’ve worked in here, it’s clear that Shell empowers its people. It doesn't matter whether you’ve worked here for one year or 25.

You might not change the group’s strategy directly, but you will always have the opportunity to shape your role and improve our delivery – and therefore, the business. Everyone has an opportunity to make an impact.

Make an impact with us!

Why should someone work for Network delivery at Shell?

Sanjay: You’ll build a wide range of skills you’d usually only gain by spending time in a number of roles.

It’s also the fact you can shape the future here that’s most exciting. And there’s more to it than just building the network – as we all help each other within the team and others we work with to grow too, making a difference to lives.